U.S. patent application number 17/030532 was filed with the patent office on 2021-02-04 for suspended ceiling pass through grid connector.
This patent application is currently assigned to Worthington Armstrong Venture. The applicant listed for this patent is Worthington Armstrong Venture. Invention is credited to Joseph Auriemma, JR., Yu Lin, Jeff Markley, Joshua L. Neal, Sebastien Place, Jason Robbins, Brett W. Sareyka, Nicholas Shaffer.
Application Number | 20210032865 17/030532 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005164145 |
Filed Date | 2021-02-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210032865 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lin; Yu ; et al. |
February 4, 2021 |
SUSPENDED CEILING PASS THROUGH GRID CONNECTOR
Abstract
A pass through grid connector clip for a suspended ceiling. The
grid connector clip is made of two identical halves connected
back-to-back by a fastener passing through a first aperture of both
identical halves or other joining method. The identical halves each
have a web with a first side and an opposite second side defining a
height; a third side and an opposite fourth side defining a length;
a louver element closer to a fourth side than the third side; a
half sleeve located between the clip and the louver element and
extending from the first side to the second side the in a
substantially semi-circular shape; the first aperture located
between the half sleeve and the clip or the half sleeve and the
louver element. The halves include a clip connected to the third
side and two flanges projecting in substantially the same direction
from opposite sides of the web. As a result, when the halves are
joined back-to-back they form a pass through sleeve.
Inventors: |
Lin; Yu; (Blue Bell, PA)
; Sareyka; Brett W.; (Glen Mills, PA) ; Auriemma,
JR.; Joseph; (Eagleville, PA) ; Neal; Joshua L.;
(Phoenixville, PA) ; Place; Sebastien; (Chester
Springs, PA) ; Markley; Jeff; (Middle River, MD)
; Robbins; Jason; (East Earl, PA) ; Shaffer;
Nicholas; (Norristown, PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Worthington Armstrong Venture |
Malvern |
PA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Worthington Armstrong
Venture
Malvern
PA
|
Family ID: |
1000005164145 |
Appl. No.: |
17/030532 |
Filed: |
September 24, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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16675378 |
Nov 6, 2019 |
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17030532 |
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62757252 |
Nov 8, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 9/068 20130101;
E04B 9/18 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04B 9/18 20060101
E04B009/18; E04B 9/06 20060101 E04B009/06 |
Claims
1. A half of a pass-thru grid connector for a suspended ceiling,
the half comprising: a web having: a first side and an opposite
second side defining a height; a third side and an opposite fourth
side defining a length; a half sleeve located substantially the
same distance from the third side and the fourth side, the half
sleeve extending from the first side to the second side; a
connector projecting from the third side; and a first flange
connected to the second side and projecting outward from the web in
the direction of the half sleeve.
2. The half of claim 1, wherein the connector includes a thumbnail
located on the connector and projecting outward from the connector
in a direction opposite the first flange.
3. The half of claim 1, wherein the fourth side includes a
notch.
4. The half of claim 1, wherein the web further includes two
aligned apertures located between the half sleeve and the connector
or the half sleeve and the louver element; and aligned along the
height or length of the web.
5. The half of claim 4, wherein a protuberance projecting a
distance from the web in a direction substantially opposite the
first flange and perpendicular to the plane of the web defines the
first aperture.
6. The half of claim 1, wherein the connector includes a terminal
side furthest from the web and a guide connected to the terminal
side projecting at an angle in a direction away from the first
flange.
7. The half of claim 1, wherein the connector includes a
protuberance projecting outward in the direction of the second
side.
8. The half of claim 1, wherein the connector includes at least one
stiffening element projecting outward from the connector in a
direction of the first flange.
9. A pass through grid connector clip for a suspended ceiling, the
grid connector clip comprising: a web comprised of two
substantially parallel sheets, the web having: a first side and an
opposite second side defining a height; a third side and an
opposite fourth side defining a length; two connectors, the first
connector extending from the third side and the second connector
extending from the fourth side; a projection outward from each
sheet of the web, defining a hole between the two sheets, the hole
located between the connectors, the hole continuing from the first
side to the second side; and a first flange and opposite second
flange connected to the second side and projecting outward from one
sheet of the web in the direction of the projections.
10. The grid connector clip of claim 9, wherein at least one
connector includes a thumbnail located on the connector and
projecting outward from the connector in a direction opposite the
first flange.
11. The grid connector clip of claim 9, wherein the fourth side of
the web includes a notch.
12. The grid connector clip of claim 9, wherein the web further
includes an aperture passing through the two sheets.
13. The grid connector clip of claim 9, wherein the connectors
include a terminal side furthest from the web and a guide connected
to the terminal side projecting at an angle in a direction away
from the second flange.
14. The grid connector clip of claim 9, wherein the connectors
include a protuberance projecting outward in the direction of the
second side.
15. The grid connector clip of claim 9, wherein the connectors
include at least one stiffening element projecting outward from the
connectors in a direction of the second flange.
16. The grid connector clip of claim 9, further comprising a
fastener passing through the first aperture.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 16/675,378 which claims priority to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 62/757,252, filed on
Nov. 8, 2018, and 62/888,718, filed on Aug. 19, 2019, the contents
of which are incorporated in this application by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates generally to a suspended ceiling
system. More particularly, the invention relates to a pass through
grid connector that allows threaded rods attached to a structural
ceiling to pass through the suspended ceiling to the room below
without compromising the containment zones provided by the
suspended ceiling.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] There are many applications in which a load must be hung
below a suspended ceiling Unfortunately, such loads may be more
than the suspended ceiling can bear. One example of such
environments where heavy loads are hung below a suspended ceiling
are data centers.
[0004] A data center is a facility which houses computer systems
and associated components such as telecommunications and storage
systems. Data centers may include redundant or backup power
supplies for a computer system, redundant data communications
connections and environmental controls including air conditioning
and fire suppression systems. Data centers are frequently used to
house servers in large numbers. Extensive hardware such as racks,
conduits, cables, cable trays, elevated floors and the like may be
necessary to store, organize and connect the functional components
of a computer system in a data center. To permit efficient use of
space, such hardware may be suspended by, for example, threaded
rods.
[0005] With worsening air pollution throughout the world, many data
centers in urban areas are experiencing an increase in mechanical
failures due to poor air quality, showcasing the need for an
effective air filtration system. Suspended ceilings assist in
isolating and containing zones of cooled and/or clean air to assist
in data center operations and increase efficiency. The problem is
the weight of the data center components. Fully loaded server racks
can weight over a thousand pounds. A suspended ceiling cannot
support such weight.
[0006] To accommodate such weight or similar applications, threaded
rods may be required to pass through the suspended ceiling to
attach to the structure above. However, such rods may compromise
the containment zones provided by the suspended ceiling.
[0007] Conversely, a ceiling attached to the structure may be
constructed. However, such a ceiling must be assembled in small
sections on the ground and hoisted into its final installed
position. Such a method of installation requires bulky jigs and
lifting systems.
[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for an easy to install ceiling
systems that does not require jigs or a hoist, which permits load
bearing rods to pass through suspended ceilings while not
compromising the zone barrier provided by the suspended
ceiling.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] To achieve this and other desires, and in view of its
purposes, the present invention provides a suspended ceiling pass
through grid connector. The disclosed clip allows a load bearing
member to pass through the ceiling grid without having to modify
ceiling tiles or grid components. This clip provides six key
advantages. First, high loads can be supported below the suspended
ceiling. Second, time, cost, and effort of installation are reduced
when compared to structural ceiling systems. Third, the clip allows
objects (e.g., threaded rods) to pass through the ceiling without
requiring field modifications to grid and tiles. Fourth, the
convenience and appearance of a suspended ceiling is preserved.
Fifth, no load is imparted on the ceiling system from the structure
below. Sixth, the separation of the containment zones provided by
the suspended ceiling is maintained.
[0010] The pass through grid connector is formed of two identical
halves connected back-to-back. The identical halves each comprising
a web having: (1) a first side and an opposite second side defining
a height; (2) a third side and an opposite fourth side defining a
length; (3) a louver element closer to a fourth side than the third
side; (4) a clip integrated with or connected to the third side;
(5) a half sleeve located between the clip and the louver element
and extending from the first side to the second side the in a
substantially semi-circular shape; (6) a first aperture located
between the half sleeve and the clip or the half sleeve and the
louver element,; (7) a first flange connected to the first side and
projecting outward from the web in the direction of the half
sleeve; and (8) a second flange connected to the second side and
projecting outward from the web in the direction of the half
sleeve. In some embodiments, the first aperture is defined by a
substantially circular protuberance projecting substantially
perpendicularly outward from the web in a direction opposite the
second flange.
[0011] In certain embodiments, the clip includes a thumbnail
located on the clip and projecting outward from the clip in a
direction opposite the first flange. Furthermore, the web may
include a second aperture closer to the third side than the first
aperture.
[0012] In other embodiments, each identical half includes a notch
located on the fourth side. In certain embodiments, the notch is
substantially centrally located along the height of the web.
[0013] In further embodiments the web includes a third aperture
adapted to engage with the protuberance defining the first
aperture. Conversely, in other embodiments, the third aperture is
adapted to accept a hang wire. In other embodiments, the third
aperture is aligned with the first aperture along the height or
length of the web.
[0014] In certain embodiments, the clip includes a terminal side
furthest from the web and a guide connected to the terminal side
projecting at an angle in a direction away from the second flange.
The clip may also include at least one protuberance projecting
outward in the direction of the second side. In addition, in
certain embodiments, the clip includes at least one stiffening
element projecting outward from the clip in a direction of the
second flange.
[0015] In certain embodiments, the identical halves are connected
by a cap joining their second flanges. In other embodiments, the
identical halves are joined by a fastener passing through aligned
first apertures or first apertures aligned with third apertures. In
further embodiments, the identical halves are joined by a fastener
passing through aligned first apertures or first apertures aligned
with third apertures and their second flanges are joined with a
cap.
[0016] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary,
but are not restrictive, of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0017] The invention is best understood from the following detailed
description when read in connection with the accompanying drawing.
It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various
features of the drawing are not to scale. On the contrary, the
dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or
reduced for clarity. Included in the drawing are the following
figures:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a front elevated view of one embodiment of one
half of a pass through grid connector.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a rear elevated view of the one half of a pass
through grid connector of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a front view of the one half of a pass through
grid connector of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a front sectional view of the one half of a pass
through grid connector taken on the line A-A of FIG. 3.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a top view of the one half of a pass through grid
connector of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a top sectional view of the one half of a pass
through grid connector taken on the line B-B of FIG. 5.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a top sectional view of the one half of a pass
through grid connector taken on the line E-E of FIG. 5.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a front elevated view of one embodiment of the
pass through grid connector clip.
[0026] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the pass through grid
connector clip of FIG. 8.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a front view of the pass through grid connector
clip of FIG. 8 attached to grid beams.
[0028] When referring to the drawing, like reference numbers refer
to like elements throughout the various figures that comprise the
drawing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The features and benefits of the disclosure are illustrated
and described by reference to exemplary embodiments. The disclosure
also includes the drawing. This description of exemplary
embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the
accompanying drawing, which is to be considered part of the entire
written description. Accordingly, the disclosure expressly should
not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some
possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone
or in other combinations of features.
[0030] In the description of embodiments, any reference to
direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of
description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of
the present invention. Relative terms such as "lower," "upper,"
"horizontal," "vertical," "above," "below," "up," "down," "top,"
and "bottom" as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally,"
"downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the
orientation as then described or as shown in the figure under
discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description
only and do not require that the apparatus be construed or operated
in a particular orientation. Terms such as "attached," "affixed,"
"connected," "coupled," "interconnected," and similar terms refer
to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one
another either directly or indirectly through intervening
structures, as well as both moveable or rigid attachments or
relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.
[0031] The present pass-thru grid connector 800 for a suspended
ceiling in a data center is formed from two identical halves 100
connected back-to-back. In certain embodiments, the halves 100 are
connected by a fastener passing through aligned fastener apertures
136 in both halves 100. In other embodiments, the second flange 120
of both halves 100 are joined with a cap 900. In still other
embodiments, the halves 100 are connected by a fastener passing
through aligned fastener apertures 136 in both halves 100 and a cap
900 joining the second flanges 120 of both halves 100. In other
embodiments, the halves 100 are swedged or joined with an adhesive
contacting both backs of the halves 100.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 1, each half 100 includes a web 130 having
a first side 102 and a second side 104 defining a height, along
with a third side 106 and a fourth side 108 defining a width. A
first flange 110 is connected to the first side 102 and projects
substantially perpendicularly out from the web 130. A second flange
120 is connected to the second side 104 and projects substantially
perpendicularly out from the web 130 in substantially the same
direction as the first flange 110. A clip 150 is further attached
to the third side 106.
Web
[0033] The web 130 of each half 100 includes a louver element 132
closer to the fourth side 108 than the third side 106. A
half-sleeve 134 located between the third side 106 and the louver
element 132. The half-sleeve 134 extends from the first side 102 to
the second side 104 in a substantially semi-circular shape. The web
130 also includes a first aperture 136 located between the
half-sleeve 134 and the third side 106 or the half-sleeve 134 and
the louver element 132.
[0034] The half-sleeve 134 is adapted to contact a second
half-sleeve 134 to form a sleeve 810 in the grid connector clip
800. Neither the half-sleeves 134 nor the sleeves 810 are threaded.
In certain embodiments the half-sleeves 134 have a radius of from
about 3/16 of an inch (0.4625 cm) to about 5/16 of an inch (0.794
cm). As a result, in such embodiments the sleeve 810 formed from
the joining of two half sleeves 134 have a diameter from about 3/8
of an inch (0.925 cm) to about 5/8 an inch (1.588 cm).
[0035] Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the half sleeve 134 may
be tapered. For example, the half sleeve 134 may commence at a
location on the first side 102 that is closer to the fourth side
108 than the location that it terminates on the second side 104.
Conversely, the half sleeve 134 may commence at a location on the
first side 102 that is closer to the third side 106 than the
location that it terminates on the second side 104
[0036] The louver element 132 includes a first end connected to the
web 130 and an opposite terminal end. The louver element is adapted
to engage with a grid clip 820. The louver element 132 may be
punched out from the web 130 thereby defining a louver aperture
142. The louver aperture may include an engagement side 144 closest
to the fourth side 108 that is also substantially parallel to the
fourth side 108. The engagement side 144 may be adapted to engage
with a thumbnail 154 of an opposing clip 150 attached to a beam
850. grid
[0037] In certain embodiments, the louver element 132 is adapted to
apply a spring force onto the grid clip 820 in the direction of the
web 130 to assist in connecting the grid connector clip 800 to the
grid 850. In applying such a spring force, the louver element 132
may initially projects in a direction away from the web 130 and
then bends back to project in a direction either parallel to or
back towards the web 130.
[0038] In other embodiments, the louver element may include a
second bend resulting in a terminal end of the louver clip 132
projecting away from the web 130. Such a second bend may assist in
guiding a grid clip 820 towards engagement with the louver element
132.
[0039] Each half 100 also includes at least one fastener aperture
136, which may also be referred to as a first aperture. The
fastener aperture 136 may be defined by a substantially circular
protuberance 137 projecting substantially perpendicularly outward
from the web 130 in a direction opposite the second flange. The
fastener aperture 136 may be located between the half-sleeve 134
and the clip 150 or between the half-sleeve 134 and the fourth side
108.
[0040] Each half 100 may also include at least one hanger aperture
138, which may also be referred to as a second aperture. In certain
embodiments, the hanger aperture 138 is aligned with the fastener
aperture 136 along the height of the web 130. In other embodiments,
the hanger aperture 138 is aligned with the fastener aperture 136
along the length of the web 130. In certain embodiments, the hanger
aperture is larger than the fastener aperture and adapted to permit
the protuberance 137 defining the fastener aperture to pass
through.
[0041] Each half 100 may also include a connector aperture 140,
which may also be referred to as a third aperture. The connector
aperture 140 is closer to the clip 150 than the fastener aperture
136.
[0042] In certain embodiments, each half 100 may include a notch
139 located on the fourth side 108.
Flanges
[0043] Two flanges extend in substantially similar directions out
from opposite ends of the web 130. Specifically, the first flange
110 extends out from the first side 102 of the web 130 in the
direction of the half-sleeve 134. The second flange 120 extends out
from the second side 104 of the web 130 in the direction of the
half-sleeve 134.
[0044] Neither the first flange 110 or the second flange 120
project out from their respective sides in a continuous manner
between the third side 106 and the fourth side 108. In certain
embodiments, both flanges includes breaks 122. These breaks 122
occur at the sleeve 134. As a result, neither the first flange 110
or the second flange 120 project out from the sleeve 134. Indeed,
the second flange 120 must include a break 122 at the sleeve 134,
otherwise the manufacturing process would produce a twisted or torn
sleeve 134 or second flange 120.
[0045] In certain embodiments, the first flange 110 and the second
flange 120 extend in substantially parallel directions and
substantially perpendicularly out form the web 130.
[0046] In certain embodiments, the second flange 120 is longer than
the first flange 110. In other embodiments, the first flange 110 is
adapted to engage with bulbs of grid to prevent the grid from
rotating.
Clip
[0047] The clip 150 includes a terminal end 151 furthest from the
third side 106.
[0048] In certain embodiments, the clip 150 includes a locking
aperture 152. Such a locking aperture 152 may be located closer to
the third side 106 than the terminal end 151.
[0049] In certain embodiments the clip 150 includes a thumbnail 154
located on the clip 150 and projecting outward from the clip 150 in
a direction opposite the second flange 120
[0050] In certain embodiments, the clip 150 includes a guide 156
connected to the terminal side 151 of the clip 150 and projecting
outward at an angle in a direction away from the second flange
120
[0051] In certain embodiments, the clip 150 includes a protuberance
158 projecting outward from the side of the clip 150 closest to the
second side 104. The side of the protuberance 158 closest to the
third side 106 may be substantially parallel to the third side 106.
Such a design is adapted to guide the clip 150 onto grid 850.
[0052] In certain embodiments, the clip 150 includes at least one
stiffening element 160 projecting outward from the clip in a
direction of the second flange. In other embodiments, the clip
includes two or more stiffening element 160 aligned along the
length of the clip 150 and projecting outward in a substantially
parallel direction.
Cap
[0053] To provide additional structural support, and as illustrated
in FIG. 9 a cap 900 may b e added to the bottom of halves to join
the second flanges 120. The cap includes an aperture substantially
centrally located along both the height and width of the cap 900.
The cap 900 may be wrapped around to the top of the second flanges
120. Preferably the cap 900 is a separate piece of material. The
cap 900 may also be an extension of one or both of the second
flanges 120.
Material of Manufacture
[0054] It will be understood that the halves 100 and the clip 900
may be constructed out of any bendable material such as metals,
polymers, or carbon fiber. Preferably, the halves 100 and the clip
900 are manufactured from metal. More preferably, the halves 100
and the clip 900 are manufactured from rolled steel.
[0055] Although illustrated and described above with reference to
certain specific embodiments and examples, the present invention is
nevertheless not intended to b e limited to the details shown.
Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the
scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing
from the spirit of the invention.
* * * * *